residents, all greatly hinder and embarrass his efforts. A papal decree
orders the Indian slaves in the islands to be freed. Explorations are
made in northern Luzón, opening up a rich and important region; and
the conquest of Mindanao is undertaken. The Chinese trade continues to
call for special measures: the Spanish residents of the islands ask
for permission from the home government to trade with the Portuguese
colony of Macao; and, in order to encourage the Indians to keep up
their native industries, they are forbidden to wear Chinese stuffs. A
revolt of the Zambales and Negritos of western Luzón is quelled, and
the surviving insurgents are dispersed or enslaved. The emperor of
Japan demands from the Spaniards of the islands tribute and homage,
which excites in their minds apprehensions of coming war.

The document of 1591 relating to the collection of tributes in the
islands, begun in _Vol_. VII, is here concluded. The bishop asks the
governor to let him know his decision regarding such collection;
the latter replies (February 8) that he cannot make any change in
present conditions without further orders from the king; and issues
(February 28) a decree regulating the collection of tributes. A dispute
between the bishop and the governor ensues, followed by letters (dated
March 4-21) interchanged by them, which are an interesting revelation
of the relations between the religious and secular authorities, and
of the conflicting interests involved therein. The governor repels
(March 8) the accusation that he has been the mouthpiece of others;
defends the Jesuits from any suspicion of unfriendliness toward the
bishop; and complains that he is still attacked in the pulpit. In
another letter (dated March 19) Dasmariñas makes suggestions to the
bishop regarding the best means of meeting the religious needs of the
Indians with the small number of priests who can be thus employed. He
denies that he has any partiality for the Augustinians over the